During the 17th matchday of Liga MX, Cruz Azul faced a heartbreaking defeat against Pumas UNAM, losing 3-2 at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc. Despite a stellar performance from Gabriel Fernández, who scored twice, Cruz Azul could not secure the win. Efraín Juárez’s Pumas UNAM mounted a remarkable comeback, with key goals coming from Jorge Ruvalcaba (4th minute, 1st half), Álvaro Angulo (34th minute, 2nd half, penalty), and Alan Medina (40th minute, 2nd half).
Gabriel Fernández was undeniably the star of the match, earning the title of best player for his two goals and three shots on target. His efforts, however, were not enough to keep the team from slipping into a loss.
Another standout for Pumas UNAM was Alan Medina, who not only scored a crucial goal but also attempted two shots on goal, showcasing his offensive prowess throughout the match.
Cruz Azul’s coach, Nicolás Larcamón, set his team in a 4-5-1 formation with Kevin Mier in goal; Jorge Sánchez, Willer Ditta, Jesús Orozco, and Omar Campos forming the defense; and a midfield composed of Erik Lira, José Paradela, Jeremy Márquez, Carlos Rodríguez, and Mateusz Bogusz, leading up to forward Gabriel Fernández.
Meanwhile, Pumas, under Efraín Juárez, also deployed a 4-5-1 strategy with Keylor Navas as goalkeeper; Pablo Bennevendo, Nathanael Ananias, Rubén Duarte, and Álvaro Angulo in defense; midfielders Adalberto Carrasquilla, José Luis Caicedo, Alan Medina, Rodrigo López, and Jorge Ruvalcaba; with José Macías spearheading the attack.
Referee Fernando Hernández Gómez officiated the match at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc.
After this thrilling encounter, Pumas UNAM sits in third place with 35 points, while Cruz Azul remains in tenth place with 21 points in the tournament.
Substitutions for Cruz Azul
50’ 1T – Kevin Mier out for Andrés Gudiño; Jeremy Márquez out for Lorenzo Faravelli.
69’ 2T – Carlos Rodríguez out for Amaury García.
70’ 2T – Gabriel Fernández out for Ángel Sepúlveda; Mateusz Bogusz out for Luka Romero.
Cautions for Cruz Azul:
45’ 1T – Willer Ditta (arguing with an opponent); 48’ 2T – Ángel Sepúlveda (arguing with an opponent).
Red Card for Cruz Azul:
20’ 2T – Lorenzo Faravelli (direct red).
Substitutions for Pumas UNAM
62’ 2T – Pablo Bennevendo out for Santiago López.
75’ 2T – José Luis Caicedo out for Ángel Rico.
9’ 1T – José Macías out for Pedro Vite.
Cautions for Pumas UNAM:
44’ 1T – Adalberto Carrasquilla (unsporting behavior); 39’ 2T – Rubén Duarte (unsporting behavior); 45’ 2T – Santiago López (unsporting behavior); 48’ 2T – Jorge Ruvalcaba (arguing with an opponent).